The Florida Institute of Technology ESL Bridge Program is designed to give ESL students the English language proficiency they need to be successful in their academic programs at Florida Tech. The ESL Bridge Program evaluates each student on the basis of test scores and diagnostic examinations and creates a personal curriculum designed to supply the student's specific needs.

Students admitted to the ESL Bridge Program may take up to 12 credit hours of English language training in their first term and 9 credit hours of English language training in their second term. Required courses are determined upon entry into the ESL Bridge Program, and requirements are reassessed at the end of the first term based upon student performance.

Students also take at least 3 credits of academic work per term to fill out a full-time schedule. All academic credits apply to degree programs.

All training takes place on the Melbourne Campus with in-person traditional classroom instruction.

Qualifications for ESL Bridge Program

• Admission to a Florida Tech undergraduate or graduate academic degree program.

• Submission of a qualifying English language test score:

  • Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT): 61–78
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 5.5
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 51–57
  • Cambridge English Advanced: 169–179
  • Duolingo English Test: 90-99
  • Embassy English: Level B1
  • China National Higher Education Entrance Examination (Gaokao) English portion: 105/150 (84/120)

Duration of ESL Bridge Program

The ESL Bridge Program usually takes two semesters to complete. Some students may complete the program in one term if their needs are few and their progress is rapid. All students must complete the program by the end of the second semester. Students begin the program in fall or spring term and complete the program in spring or summer term.

Sample ESL Bridge Program Plan (before personalization) 

Semester 1 (15-18 credit hours)

ESL 0342 Intensive Oral Communication

ESL 0343 Intensive Listening Comprehension

ESL 0344 Intensive Reading

ESL 0345 Intensive Writing

and 3-6 credits of academic work

Semester 2 (12-15 credit hours)

ESL 0402 Advanced Oral Communication

ESL 0404 Advanced Reading

ESL 0405 Advanced Writing

and 3-6 credits of academic work

Completion of the ESL Bridge Program

The ESL Bridge Program must be complete within one year/two academic semesters of program admission. Completion requires a 3.0 GPA for ESL courses and a 2.0 GPA for academic work (undergraduate students) and a 3.0 GPA for ESL courses and a 3.0 GPA for academic work (graduate students). Upon completion of the ESL Bridge Program, students will have met Florida Tech's full English proficiency standards.